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Uckinghall - dodgy banks - I fell in!!

GlenI

GlenI
Total Posts: 99
Joined: January 16, 2016

As a regular at Uckinghall I understand how dodgy the banks can get on the far bank behind the river after it has been flooded for a while, but feeling I could handle it I ventured forth yesterday afternoon for a spot of pike/zander fishing. No fish unfortunately so packed up but on my way back I had to battle through the now common overhanging brambles etc. To avoid some of these, bearing in mind I'm fully laden with heavy rod bag, tackle bag and chair etc I stepped onto one of the wooden platforms. This particular one was rotten from being constantly submerged and gave way - and I went into the lake up to my knees but sinking fast. The water was freezing but I managed to get some of my gear off me and onto the bank as it was dragging me in. But struggled to haul myself back up the steep bank by grabbing anything I could - mostly grass, brambles etc. It was starting to get dark, I was on my own and it had occurred to me how it could have ended very differently if I'd gone all the way in.
This side of the lake is getting quite narrow now due to bank erosion and when slippery with the combination overhanging brambles is frankly dangerous at the moment. So I suggest you avoid this area until it dries a bit but I think I'll take some clippers with me to attack the undergrowth before attempting it again. I also think someone from the BAA ought to have a look as a couple of platforms were going rotten.
Be careful out there guys!

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Posted on January 14, 2018 at 10:22 AM

BailiffDale

BailiffDale
Total Posts: 51
Joined: August 2, 2017

Re: Uckinghall - dodgy banks - I fell in!!

Hi Glen,
I hope you are ok now, I know what that's like not nice good luck the next time. sorry

Posted on January 14, 2018 at 12:14 PM

GlenI

GlenI
Total Posts: 99
Joined: January 16, 2016

Re: Uckinghall - dodgy banks - I fell in!!

I'm fine but it don't half get the adrenaline flowing when you are sinking in freezing cold water! Must be getting too old for Rambo style fishing!
Fishing has not be brilliant there of late - now three blanks in a row. So going to try some safer venues for a while - might even catch something.

Posted on January 14, 2018 at 1:31 PM

BailiffDale

BailiffDale
Total Posts: 51
Joined: August 2, 2017

Re: Uckinghall - dodgy banks - I fell in!!

LOL I think we all are Glen but all we can do is just keep trying hope you get something soon I myself have stopped now to the spring because I just fish rivers for the Barbel and they are not having it this time of year lol

Posted on January 14, 2018 at 3:13 PM

onelastcast

onelastcast
Total Posts: 819
Joined: July 4, 2015

Re: Uckinghall - dodgy banks - I fell in!!

Glad you are OK, as you say very narrow along that track, bad enough in the summer, I have fallen in a few times but never in the Winter as yet, one particular occasion I was standing on the bank at the Mill Avon in Tewkesbury, and the bank just gave way...went right under, but managed to scramble out totally wet through and covered in mud, the walkers had a shock when the creature from the Black Lagoon appeared from nowhere tongue out

Posted on January 15, 2018 at 10:37 AM

GlenI

GlenI
Total Posts: 99
Joined: January 16, 2016

Re: Uckinghall - dodgy banks - I fell in!!

We all take some risks whenever we go near water and it pays to try to be sensible but hurdles like brambles hanging from trees can catch us out cos they don't snap easily and bloody hurt when you get one round your face, as I did. Hopefully the working party will be doing something there when they start again, but I'll try and attack them myself next time before I set off.
Won't be a few weeks though as I haven't had a nibble there for four trips now, so will be seeking the toothy fish elsewhere for a while.

Posted on January 15, 2018 at 5:21 PM

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